When tomatoes are not in season, I decided to use dried ones. Surprisingly, Turkish export much more of dried tomatoes than consume.But still you can buy great ones in every supermarket. I enjoy adding them to bean salads or soups, this time it is turn for a stew with some chicken.

Turkish style chicken stew

( serves 3-4)

What you need:

10 dried tomatoes ( usually sold in halves)

2 chicken breast halves

1 onion

1 green pepper

2 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp salt

about 100g fresh spinach

a small handful of spring onions

a small handful of parsley

1 lemon

What you have to do:

Put tomatoes in a bowl and pour over with boiling water. Leave them to soak for 10 minutes. Then drain and chop in stripes.

Peel and chop onion. Cut chicken in cubes. Slice green pepper.

In a pot heat some olive oil and add onions and chicken. Fry for 5 minutes. Then add green peppers, stir and cook for about 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, thyme, salt and black pepper. Pour water to cover the chicken. Stir and cook for about 10 minutes. Then add spinach, lemon juice, half of chopped spring onions and parsley. Stir a bit, cover with a lid and cook for 1 more minute.